Ensemble for pictures and the like



June 2, 1959 D. M. KNOX ENSEMBLE FOR- PICTURES AND THE LIKE Filed July 18, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 2, 1959 D. M. KNOX 2,383,764

ENSEMBLE FOR PICTURES AND THE LIKE Filed July 18, 1957 v 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A TTORNE 71$ 7 1 W 5102M Ea u- 1 2% 43 41K 4 i United States Patent ENSEMBLE FOR PICTURES AND THE LIKE David M. Knox, New York, N.Y.

Application July 18, 1957, Serial No. 672,760

6 'Claims. (Cl. 40-152) This invention relates to devices for supporting pictures, mirrors or the like and in particular relates to an ensemble including a holder and having means providing for inversion and tilting of the holder and cooperatively arranged with the holder to provide for the quick attachment and detachment thereof.

In one aspect the invention contemplates a composite picture ensemble having an outer frame and an inner frame mounting a picture holder, the frames being interconnected by a deformable section which provides for the same to be movable toward and away from one another, portions of said deformable section cooperating with the holder whereby to secure the same in a manner to be easily and quickly attachable to or detachable from the inner frame.

In another aspect the invention contemplates a composite picture ensemble including an outer frame and a picture holder interconnected with the outer frame by a deformable section providing for the frame of the picture to be projected or retracted from the plane of the frame, and the deformable section being cooperatively arranged with the holder to permit the same to be removed from or attached to the ensemble in a quick or convenient manner.

In still another aspect, the invention contemplates a composite picture ensemble including an outer frame and a deformable section connected thereto arranged with an aperture for mounting a picture holder in firm but detachable condition without the use of nails, screws, glue or other like securing means.

I In still another aspect the invention contemplates a' composite picture ensemble including an outer frame and an inner frame mounting a picture holder, the frames being connected with the deformable section having portions extending through said inner frame and cooperating with the picture holder to detachably mount the same.

In still another aspect the invention contemplates a.

composite picture ensemble including an outer frame and an inner frame mounting a picture holder, the frames being connected by a deformable section having extending portions fitting into grooves in the holder and forming a joint whereby the holder can be swung into or out of the inner frame whereby to provide for quick attachment and detachment.

In still another aspect the invention contemplates a composite picture ensemble including outer framing having an aperture in which is disposed a picture holder,

the holder being removably attached to the framing by way of flexible tongue and groove means.

In still another aspect the invention contemplates a composite picture ensemble including an outer frame surrounding a chambered picture holder and connected to the holder by a deformable section providing for the tilting of the holder, the holder having access means for the chamber which is operable when the holder has been moved or tilted to a predetermined position.

. In still another. aspect the invention contemplates a' composite picture ensemble including an outer frame surrounding a picture holder and interconnected thereto Figure 3 is a rear view of the picture holder of V Figure 1;

Figure 3a is a fragmentary view taken along the line 3a3a of Figure 3;

Figure 3b is a fragmentary view taken along the line 3b-3b of Figure 3;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a corner of the picture holder of Figure 3, with the back removed; Figure 5 is a fragmentary cross-section on the line 5-5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a vertical section of a composite picture ensemble of the invention including outer framing with a picture holder disposed inwardly thereof and interconnected thereto by a deformable member, the ensemble being constructed as a unitary object as from plastic;

' and 'gether by any suitable means.

Figure 7 is a back view of one-half of the ensemble: of Figure 6.

The details of construction of a preferred form of the invention will be explained following.

In Figure 1 a composite picture ensemble includes framing comprising an outer frame 1, an inner frame 2, together with a removable picture holder 3 and a deformable section 4 interconnecting the inner and outer frames. The outer frame may comprise molding mem bers 5 which in cross-section are counterparts of one" another and joined together by mitered joints such' as indicated at 6. The molding members may be ofone: piece or, alternatively, may be constructed of two pieces 10 and 11 as indicated in Figure 2 which are joined to- The inner frame may:- comprise molding members such as indicated at 13 which in cross-section are also counterparts of each other and joined at a mitered joint such as indicated at 14. The molding members may be of unitary construction, or

f. alternatively, may be comprised of two pieces such as toured so as to provide for the inner and outer frames to be movable toward and away from one another. The slits which appear at the corners of the section, as indicated at 21, may be covered with a thin strip of flexible tape or, alternatively, desirably shaped holes can be placed j in the section 4 adjacent the slits to provide a decorative efiect. In connection with the molding members making up the inner and outer frames, it is pointed out that the face surfaces thereof may be different contours, for example, i

- .from an inspection of Figure 2,-it-wi1l be appar'entthat the face surfaces of the molding members are respectively different in contour than the surfaces for the molding members 11. Additionally, the opposite surfaces of the deformable section 4 may be, differently decorated so as to artistically correspond to the contouring provided on the molding members. Thus when the holder is reversed or inverted in the framing, different viewing effects are provided.

The reversibility of the holder, the decorative aspect of the frames and the section or panel 4 together with the movability of the frames cooperate in providing a variety of different viewing effects.

For example, with respect to Figure 2 the picture is viewed from the front, i.e. as in the direction indicated by the arrow A. However, if the holder is removed from the inner frame and then reversed face to face and then placed back in the frame, the picture will be viewed from the rear or in the direction indicated by the arrow B. It will be apparent that the optical effect of the whole assembly when looking at the picture from the direction A will be different from that when viewing is done from the direction B. Also, the inner frame may be moved say to the position indicated by the dots 23 and 23'. In either position a diiferent viewing effect is attained. Additionally, the holder can be reversed face for face and while positioned either as shown or at positions 23, 23', for still different viewing effects.

In addition to providing for the holder to be moved to the positions as described just above, the deformable section allows the holder to be tilted with respect to the frame. This is of a special advantage in those instances where it is necessary for the picture to be oriented to avoid reflections on the glass obscuring the picture, or where a mirror, placed in the holder, should desirably be adjusted to a particular obliquity. The holder may be tilted, for example into plane XX, bymoving the top molding member to the position indicated by the top dot 23 with the bottom molding member remaining in the position shown. Alternatively, the holder may be tilted to plane YY, which is done by moving the bottom molding member of the holder to the position indicated by the dot 23' with the top molding member remaining substantially in the position shown. Rather than tilting the holder in a vertical fashion, either side molding member may be moved forwardly (outwardly from the plane of the paper, as seen in Fig. 1) with the opposite side remaining in the position shown so that the holder is tilted laterally.

The movement of the holder with respect to the outer frame as described above illustrates the cooperative relationship between the deformable member 20 and the chamber access flap 52. For example, it will be observed that the picture can only be inserted or removed from the slot when the lower molding member is in the position shown in Figure 2. Thus when the lower molding member is in a position other than shown, for example at the position of dot 23', it must be moved rearwardly for the purpose of opening the chamber and removing a picture.

In connection with removing the holder from the framing, the invention contemplates flexible tongue and groove means preferably involving the use of a portion of the deformable member as a flexible tongue which cooperates with a groove on the holder to provide a quick attach and detach means. The manner in which this is done will be explained in connection wtih the details of construction of the holder.

In Figures 1, 2 and 3 it will be seen that the holder includes a frame comprising upper molding member 30, side molding members 31 and 32 and bottom molding member 33 which are joined together at mitered joints such as indicated at 34. The members 30, 31 and 32 in cross-section are substantially counter-parts of one another such as indicated at 35 in Figure 2. The cross-section of. m ld ng m b 33 is me h di fe en from e others and this difierence will be explained later. As will be apparent, the molding members are arranged to form an aperture a through which the picture in the holder is viewed.

With particular reference to Figure 2, it will be noted that the cross-section of each molding member is generally T-shaped having a head It and a leg 1!. As best seen in Figures 3 and 3a, the molding member 31 has attached to the leg I a strip 40 running substantially throughout the length of the member and forming a groove 41. As seen in Figures 3 and 3b, the member 32 has a strip 42 attached to the leg I to form a groove 43. The length of the strip 42 is such that the groove 43 is shorter than the groove 41.

As indicated, the intermediate deformable member 4 extends beyond the molding members comprising the inner frame inwardly of the aperture a. This extension forms a tongue as indicated at 44 which in the embodiment disclosed extends completely around the aperture a. The portions of the tongue 44 adjacent the molding members 31 and 32 extend into the grooves 41 and 43 as indicated at 44:: and 44b. 7

As the holder is mounted in the inner frame 2, the same is adjusted so that the head portions 11 of the molding members comprising the holder are in engagement with the tongue as is indicated in Figures 3a and 3b. Also, itis preferable that the dimensions of the tongue and the dimensions of the molding members comprising the holder be arranged so that theinner edge of the tongue is in substantial engagement with the leg portions I. This engagement serves to secure the holder firmly in place. As mentioned above, the tongue in the embodiment shown extends completely around the aperture a. It will be apparent, however, that only two tongues need be provided; for example, a tongue extending into the slot 41 and a tongue extending into the slot 43.

When it is desired to remove the holder, the ensemble (as in the position of Figure 1) may be grasped in both hands with the thumbs on the inner frame; for example, at the points indicated by 45 and 46 and the remaining fingers extending around in back of the framing. The forefinger of the right hand then is used to push on the holder; for example, at the point in back of point 45 so that the right-hand side moves outwardly or pivots about the left-hand side. This action is explained as follows. Since force is exerted on the right-hand side, the strip 42 can easily move past the tongue 44b while the left-hand side is restrained by the action between the long strip 40 and the groove 41. As indicated the strips may be contoured to facilitate the movement and pivoting action. When the right-hand side of the holder has pivoted a short distance away from the framing, it then may be grasped in the rightrhand and removed completely.

When it is desired to insert the holder, the reverse procedure takes place. In other words, the holder is placed in the framing so that the tongue fits into the groove 41 and then the other side is pressed so as to slide the strip 42 past the tongue.

It will be apparent from the above that the tongue and groove arrangement above described makes an expedient and convenient means for not only seecuring the holder and the framing in a firm relationship, but also provides that the holder can be qnickly attached and detached in an expeditious manner,

The manner in which a picture is adapted to be mounted in the holder and certain other novel features thereof will be mentioned in connection with further details of construction following,

As indicated in Figures 2 and 3, the molding members o prisin the holder h ve t c thereto a backing plate 49 which preferably is formed from resilient metal or from plastic such as polyethylene. The plate is slit as indicated at 50 and 51 to form a triangular shaped flap member 52. On the bottom or base of the flap 52 is secured an L-shaped catch 53. With the flap and back made of resilient material, the area of interconnection at 49a is flexible and therefore provides for the flap to be movable (in the sense of being pivotable or swingable about the portion 49a) from and to the full line and dotted positions shown in Figure 2. When in the position shown by the full lines, the catch 53 engages (see Fig. 5) in the groove 54 provided in the member 33. As seen in Figures 4 and 5, the member 33 is formed so as to provide a recess 55 which will be covered when the catch 53 is in the full line position. As indicated in Figure 2, the backing plate 49 is spaced from portions h and this spacing together with the leg portions 1 form a chamber c. From an inspection of Figures 2 and 4, it will be seen that the recess 55 forms an entrance and exit for the chamber..

In Figure 2, it will be seen that with the flap 52 in the outward position a piece of glass can be inserted through the recess and space provided by the flap position and pushed into the holder until it occupies the position as indicated by the numeral 60. Then a mat 61 having a rectangular opening 62 is inserted and moved up against the glass into the position shown. The mat forms a border for the picture and may be colored, uncolored or decorated in a manner to artistically cooperate with the picture. Next the picture 63 is inserted and moved up against the mat. Then a piece of cardboard 64 is inserted and moved up against the back of the picture as shown. Lastly, a piece of corrugated paper 65 is moved through the space and positioned against the cardboard. The flap 5.2 is then moved to close recess 55. The outside dimensions of the picture,'mat, cardboard and corrugated paper are somewhat smaller than the inside dimensions of the chamber so as to provide for some lateral and. vertical movement.

It will be noted that the back 49 has a pair of apertures 70 and 71 which are large enough to accommodate any finger of the hand. By contacting the corrugated paper through the apertures, the above supporting material may be moved slightly in the holder so as to desirably adjust the picture with respect to the frame. The assembly will remain in adjusted position for reasons explained fol lowing.

From an inspection of Figure 3 it will be noted that the flap 52 is shaped generally triangularly. The flap is formed so that in the open position it takes a generally arcuate shape as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 2. Thus when the flap is moved to the closed position a portion will tend to move into the chamber and a light pressure will be exerted on the material in the chamber to hold the same firm against the glass. The pressure exerted is great enough to hold the picture in its adjusted position.

In connection with the catch mechanism 53 the following should be noted. Inasmuch as the flap 52 is made of resilient material and takes an arcuate shape in its open position, the flap in its closure position will tend to urge the flap 52 outwardly so that the catch is firmly engaged with the outer side of the groove 54. The flap and catch, therefore, are firmly held in closure position.

In the description above, the construction of the ensemble provided for the holder to be removable from the framing. In certain instances, however, it is desirable that the holder be non-removable and in such cases I have found it desirable to form the ensemble comprising the outer frame, the deformable section and the holder as a unitary piece. Such a construction is shown in Figures 6 and 7 which illustrate an ensemble cast from plastic. The ensemble has an outer frame 73, an inner frame 74 connected by deformable member 75 together with a holder 76, all of which are integral, being formed, for example, from a plastic material. The holder is arranged with a chamber 77 for receiving the picture, etc., through the recess 78 which is adapted to be opened or closed by way of the flap 79. The holder is also provided with adjusting apertures 80 and 81.

The ensemble of Figures 6 and 7 just described is answer in providing a variety of face effects when viewed looking in the direction indicated. by the arrow A. For example, whenthe holder and the outer frame are in position shown by the full lines, the plane of the picture in the holder is retracted from a plane through the face of the outer frame. The plane of the picture may be projected with respect to the outer frame by arranging the relative position of the holder and outer frame as indicated by the dotted lines. Furthermore, the holder may be tilted into the plane X-X' by moving the top of the holder to a position generally indicated by the dot 82 with the bottom of the holder remaining in the position shown. The holder may be tilted into the plane Y' by moving the bottom of the holder to the position generally indicated by the dot 83 with the top of the holder remaining in position shown. Additionally, the holder may be tiltedlaterally by moving either the left or right-hand side in a direction in or out of the plane of the paper as viewed in Figure 7.

The embodiment of Figures 6 and 7 further illustrates the cooperative action as between the deformable member 75 and the chamber access flap 79. From an inspection of Figure 6, it will be noted that the width of the deformable member is made so that the flap can be opened and the picture, etc. inserted or withdrawn from the chamber, both when the deformable member is in the position shown by the full lines and when in position shown by the dotted lines.

. I claim:

1. A picture supporting ensemble comprising: an outer frame; an inner frame formed with an aperture; an inter mediate section interconnecting the frames and being deformable to provide for the planes of the frames to be movable toward and away from one another, portions of said intermediate section extending through said inner frame and projecting into said aperture to form a planar, flexible tongue; and a picture holder disposed in said aperture, the outer periphery of the holder being in engagement with said tongue, the engagement supporting the holder in the inner frame and the inner frame having grooves carrying said tongue, the tongue and grooves cooperating so that the holder can be pushed out of or into said aperture and the inner frame having a front and a back spaced apart from one another and forming a chamber for receiving a picture, and access means for said chamber through which a picture can be inserted or withdrawn, said front being formed with a picture viewing aperture and the back having a portion movable to open and close said access means.

2. A picture supporting ensemble comprising: a frame having an inside periphery forming an aperture; planar flexible srips connected with said frame on at least two opposite portions of said inner periphery and extending into said aperture; a picture holder disposed in said aperture in removable engagement with said flexible strips, the engagement providing at least in part for the support of the holder in the frame; means on two opposite parts of said periphery forming grooves within which are portions of said flexible strips, the flexible strips and said grooves cooperating so that the holder can be inserted in or removed from said aperture, and said frame being constructed so that said inside periphery is larger than the holder so as not to impede said insertion or removal; and means on said holder for mounting a picture thereon.

3. A picture supporting ensemble comprising: an outer frame; an inner frame formed with an aperture; an intermediate section interconnecting the frames and being deformable to provide for the planes of the frames to be movable toward and away from one another, portions of said intermediate section extending through said inner frame and projecting into said aperture whereby to form a pair of oppositely disposed flexible tongues; and a picture holder disposed in said aperture and having grooves ca ryin sa d. on u s ereb the h lde a be Hells-d1 out of or into said aperture 4. A picture supporting ensemble eornprisirrg; an outer frame; an inner frame formed with an aperture; an intermediate section interconnecting the frames and being deformable to provide for the planes of the frames to be movable toward and away from one another, portions of said intermediate section extending through said innerv frame and projecting into said aperture to form a planar flexible tongue; a picture holder disposed in said aperture, the outer periphery of the holder being in engagement with said tongue, the engagement supporting the holder in the. inner frame and the holder having grooveson two opposite sides thereof carrying portions of said tongue, the tongue and grooves cooperating so that theholdef can be pushed out of or into said aperture; aj pictufre supporting chamber formed in saidholder having recess through which a picture can be inserted or withdrawn; and a back member on said holder made from deformable material and having two slits which form a fiap, the flap having a slot closing portion and the flap being movable to a position where said closing portion opens said recess and movable to a position where said closing por tion closes said recess. i i V 5. A picture supporting ensemble comprising: a frame having an inside periphery forming an aperture; planar flexible strips connected with said frame out least two opposite portions of said inner periphery and extending into said aperture; a picture holder disposed in said aperture, the holder being formed with a head portion and a leg portion arranged normal to each other in the form of a T and said flexible strips engaging said head and leg portions, the engagement providing at least in part for the support of the holder in the frame; means on said 8 ho de sweatin w a h ad. to 9 m ove 9 1W rrqs si es i he ie de Within Wh sk as Por i said fleirible strips, the flexible strips and said grooves cooperating so that the holder can be inserted'in or removed from said aperture, said frame being con:

structed so that said inside periphery is'larger than said holder so as not to impede said insertion or removal; and means on saidholder for mounting a picture thereon. 6. A picture supporting ensemble comprising: a frame member having an inside periphery forming an aperture; a picture holder member disposed in said aperture; means on said holder for mounting a picture thereon; and means removably supporting said holder in said aperture comprising flexible strips projecting into said aperture and connected with one of said members respectively on two opposite sides thereof and in engagement with'the, other of said members, the engagement providing for support of the holder in the frame andfo'r the holder to be inserted in or removed from said aperture, and said frame being constructed so that said inside periphery is larger than said holder so as not to impede said insertion or withdrawal.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNIT D STATES ATE S 

